Ann Curry Begs NBC to End 'Today' Contract, Eyes CNN Slot

Ann Curry was tossed from "Today" but there are still strings attached. According to reports, she's pleading with NBC executives to get out of her still-binding contract so she can nab a spot at cable-news network CNN.

"Ann wants out of her contract, big time," an anonymous source told Radar online. "She has formally asked her attorney to explore exit options from the network. However, NBC bosses have indicated they are unwilling to release Ann from the contract. If Ann were to just quit, there is a non-compete clause, which would prohibit her from working for another news outlet for two years."

If Curry makes her way to CNN, her arrival will coincide with the appointment of Jeff Zucker as CEO of the media network. Zucker is the former executive producer of NBC's "Today" show.

Curry was dropped as an anchor from the morning program after just months at the post. She was asked to resign by executives because of declining ratings, which were attributed to things such as her manner of dress and her refusal to cover her gray hair.

"Ann's lawyer feels that there is a very strong case to be made that NBC has breached terms of the deal because Curry was demoted from "Today." Furthermore, Ann has basically been sequestered from appearing on the network. Yes, she has been doing some work that has been assigned to her, but it hasn't been steady," the same source told Radar.

Critics say Curry has been vindicated of her firing because of lagging ratings on "Today," as ABC's "Good Morning America" has taken the top spot among network morning news programs.

"The numbers just don't lie," the tipster told Radar. "She wasn't responsible for the show tanking in the ratings. Ann doesn't like the fact that the show isn't back on top, but her on-air presence wasn't the problem. In fact, the show lost more viewers after Ann departed the show."

Ann Curry was tossed from "Today" but there are still strings attached. According to reports, she's begging NBC executives to get out of her still-binding contract so she can nab a spot at cable-news network CNN.